The United States Department of Agriculture, USDA, provides My Pyramid for kids as a way to illustrate better eating habits and to encourage daily exercise for kids. Every age and gender will require different specific nutrition. However, all kids need the basics, including more fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and fewer oils and sugars. Focusing on each meal will help ensure balanced nutrition.
Healthy Breakfast for Kids
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, especially for kids. Kids Health reports that kids tend to eat better overall, have increased participation in physical activities and keep their weight down if they eat breakfast. Try a whole grain bagel with peanut butter and fruit, oatmeal topped with fresh fruit, raisins or nuts, or low-fat yogurt with fresh berries as healthy options to start the day.
Healthy Lunch for Kids
Snacks can account for some of the fruits and vegetables each child needs, but to fulfill the daily requirements needed, lunch should always include fresh vegetables to help meet daily requirements. For sandwiches, use whole grain breads instead of white bread and lean meats that come from the deli counter. Prepackaged lunch meats contain higher amounts of fat than the deli counterparts, according to parenting.org. Low-fat mayo or salad dressings and mustard are healthier choices for condiments. Easily packable vegetable and fruit options for on-the-go lunches include baby carrots, broccoli florets, celery, grape tomatoes, apples, sliced oranges, bananas, grapes, blueberries or strawberries.
Healthy Dinner for Kids
Meals that are well balanced with whole grains, protein, fruits and vegetables may seem like a lot of work. They don't have to be. Spaghetti sauce made with low-fat ground turkey and served over whole grain noodles, salad with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers and radishes, and fresh cut fruit makes a well balanced, healthy meal out of an old favorite. Homemade whole grain pizza dough makes a fantastic margherita pizza with sliced tomatoes and low-fat mozzarella cheese as toppings. Including the kids in meal planning, grocery shopping and meal preparation will help to get them on board with healthier versions of their old favorites.
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